10 Reasons Foodies Love San Francisco, California

Northern California is nicknamed “The World’s Salad Bowl” as some of the planet’s most prolific food producers grow within a short drive of San Francisco. The result? Chefs and casual shoppers alike can flock to the city’s year-round farmers markets for fresh fruit, vegetables and more.

In San Francisco, you can visit the largest Chinatown outside of Asia for authentic dim sum, then head to the Mission District for craveable burritos and tacos from no-frills taquerias.

Some 40 restaurants in San Francisco and the surrounding area have earned Michelin stars. Don’t miss Coi, Rich Table, The Slanted Door or State Bird Provisions. (The latter two restaurants are also James Beard Foundation awardees.)

Northern California is also home to some of the world’s leading wine regions. Experience tastings at wineries in the city, including Bluxome Street Winery and Treasure Island Wines. Then check out expertly curated restaurant wine lists and several quaint wine bars around the city.

From local Dungeness crab to oysters harvested on farms near the city, take your pick of fresh seafood here.

San Francisco chefs treat ice cream with the same artisanal care afforded to high-brow cuisine. Sample Humphry Slocombe’s unique flavors such as “Secret Breakfast,” made with corn flakes and bourbon, and Smitten’s made-to-order liquid nitrogen ice cream.

San Francisco leads the way in American coffee culture, ushering in a new era of premium coffee that’s locally roasted, sustainably sourced and expertly prepared. In fact, San Francisco’s been a coffee city since Buena Vista Café invented Irish coffee here in 1888. Since then, a host of local roasters have joined the scene.

Several locations around San Francisco boast amazing cocktail lists, such as Trick Dog. And the Northern California craft beer tradition has been going strong since Anchor started brewing beer here in 1896.

San Francisco restaurants and grocers are mindful to offer responsibly sourced produce, meat and seafood to diners and shoppers. Fresh, local and sustainable really does taste better.

San Francisco fosters a culture of quality, whether you’re talking fresh produce, artisan ice cream, haute cuisine or authentic burritos.